Congresswoman Lee Marks 150th Observance of Juneteenth and Calls on Nation to Recommit to Fight for True Equality
Oakland, CA – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee released this statement on the 150th observance of Juneteenth:
"Today, we remember this day in 1865 when enslaved people in America learned that they were finally free. More than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, news of the Proclamation and the end of the Civil War finally reached Galveston, Texas and slavery was abolished in Texas. All African Americans? in the United States could proclaim their freedom but the struggle for complete freedom continues today.
Each year, Juneteenth causes us to reflect on a dark chapter in American history that was born in the Middle Passage, nurtured through slavery and preserved through the institution of slavery. We also reflect on the enduring legacy of the namely thousands that endured and fought to end slavery. This day also requires us to recommit ourselves to the fight for equal rights and equal treatment under the law, for all Americans.
The recent tragedy in Charleston and the senseless murder of young black people in our street reminds us that our great struggle for complete freedom and true equality is not finished. As a nation, we must address the systemic and institutional racial biases in our country that continue to disadvantage far too many, especially communities of color."
Background: Congresswoman Lee is a proud co-sponsoring a Congressional resolution, introduced by Congresswoman Jackson Lee (D-TX), observing the historical significant of Juneteenth Independence Day.
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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.